Gangs / Gang Violence in Philadelphia

The rise in gang violence since the 1980s has also seen a responsive rise in public officials’ methods to combat gangs and gang violence. Authorities take gang violence very seriously and have set up gang task forces, as well as charging alleged gang members for their crimes. Officials can also use laws such as the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), which were meant to combat organized crime.

However, deciding what group constitutes a gang and if a person is a gang member is often difficult to define, especially in legal terms. If you believe you have been wrongfully accused of being a gang member or participating in gang violence, a Philadelphia criminal defense attorney can assess your legal situation and strategize the best plan of legal action.

Recently in Gangs / Gang Violence Category

Well, maybe they do, but certainly not Pete "The Crumb" Caprio. This week, he testified in court that he had no conscience. The 83-year-old mobster showed up in court this week as a witness against mobster Joseph Ligambi, reports The Philadelphia Daily News.

Apparently, his cohorts barely knew he was still around, from the statements they made in the courtroom as he entered. According to The Daily News, the judge had to ask the mobsters to silence themselves, as they expressed shock at his appearance, asking "that guy is still alive?"

According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, Augustus Anthony Simmons and seven other members of the Bloods-affiliated gang, Gangsta Killer Blood, face charges ranging from attempted murder to arson in a crime spree meant to establish the nascent gang's power in Montgomery County.

Simmons allegedly moved to Norristown to start the local chapter of the Bloods gang and recruited the co-defendants to terrorize the neighborhood in a series of firebombings, assaults, and robberies, reports the Inquirer.

Anthony Staino and his wife had a lavish wedding celebration at the Curtis Center in Philadelphia this past September. Several other reputed mob associates, including 71-year-old Ligambi, were amid the nearly 300 guests who attended the Staino party. South Philly's renowned mobster Ralph "Junior" Staino is also said to have been at the celebration.

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The Philadelphia Criminal Law Blog tackles the latest developments and covers breaking news on the crime beat in the City of Brotherly Love. This blog helps Philadelphia residents stay informed about what crimes are affecting the city as well as providing helpful resources such as finding a PA criminal defense attorney. Have a comment or tip? Write to us.